Voting has started in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections for 88 seats across 13 states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens, especially the young and women voters, to vote in "record numbers".

Meanwhile, violence broke out outside a polling station in Bengal's Balurghat.

Phase 2 Lok Sabha Elections: Latest Developments

The BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress in Bengal exchanged claims over voters being influenced in Balurghat and Raiganj. Trinamool said that central forces were undermining the democratic process and stopping women voters, while the BJP hit back, with its Bengal chief Sukanta Majumdar claiming the ruling party was distributing money among voters.

Congress's Jalore pick in Rajasthan Vaibhav Gehlot said there is "enthusiasm" among the people for his party. "I am 100% confident that people are bringing a change in Jalore this time," Vaibhav Gehlot, who is the son of ex-Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, said. Vaibhav Gehlot is contesting against BJP's Lumbaram Chaudhary in Jalore.

In Uttar Prdaesh, Hema Malini will seek a hat-trick from Mathura, while Meerut will see BJP's Arun Govil, famous for portraying Lord Ram's character in Ramayan TV series, making his electoral debut.

Source: India Today